Cervical facet radiofrequency neurotomy

More than 50% of posttraumatic cervical pain after events such as whiplash is caused by facet joint injury. These patients present with neck pain that often radiates to the head or shoulders and is aggravated by neck movement. Imaging studies are usually negative. If diagnostic local anesthetic blocks of the facet nerves produce appropriate pain relief, then significant and long-lasting pain relief may be obtained by percutaneous cervical facet …